“He’s a Machine!” Joe Rogan Stunned by Manny Pacquiao’s Jaw-Dropping Training Footage at 46 Ahead of 2025 WBC Title Fight
Manny Pacquiao, the Filipino boxing legend, is making headlines once again as he prepares for a sensational comeback at 46 years old, set to challenge WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios in July 2025. A recently leaked training video has sent shockwaves through the boxing world, with UFC commentator Joe Rogan leading the charge in praising Pacquiao’s unbelievable speed and power. Rogan’s reaction, calling Pacquiao “a machine,” has reignited excitement and debate about whether the eight-division world champion can defy the odds and cement his legacy as the oldest welterweight champ in history. With his storied career, a potential blockbuster fight on the horizon, and a symbolic title shot, Pacquiao’s return is shaping up to be one of the most captivating stories in sports this year.
The training footage that sparked Rogan’s awe shows Pacquiao, now 46, hitting pads with the same ferocity and precision that defined his prime. His punches fly in rapid combinations, and his footwork remains as elusive as ever—a testament to the explosive style that once dismantled elite fighters like Miguel Cotto and Oscar De La Hoya. Rogan, a long-time admirer of Pacquiao, marveled at his enduring abilities, noting, “This guy’s 46 years old and still as fast as lightning. He’s still got speed that compares to above average fighters today.” Rogan highlighted Pacquiao’s discipline and humility, contrasting his quiet demeanor with his ferocity in the ring: “He’s so friendly, smiling even when people trash-talk, but then he gets in that ring and kicks your ass.” This duality, Rogan argues, makes Pacquiao a “whole different man” inside the squared circle, a sentiment echoed by fans who recall his 2019 domination of Keith Thurman despite being 40 at the time.
Pacquiao’s career is the stuff of legend—12 major world titles across eight weight divisions, lineal championships in four weight classes, and titles spanning four decades, a feat unmatched in boxing history. His 25 pay-per-view fights have generated over $1.2 billion, cementing his status as a global icon. Rogan reflected on Pacquiao’s unparalleled achievements, calling him “maybe the greatest boxer of my generation” and lamenting the timing of his 2015 fight with Floyd Mayweather, which Pacquiao entered with a torn shoulder. “If that fight had happened in their primes, it would’ve broken the internet,” Rogan said, a sentiment shared by many who believe a prime Pacquiao-Mayweather clash would have been a cultural phenomenon.
The upcoming fight against Mario Barrios, scheduled for July 19, 2025, in Las Vegas, carries deep symbolic weight. Pacquiao’s adviser, Shawn Gibbons, revealed that the bout was chosen to close a poetic chapter: Pacquiao’s first world title in 1998 was with the WBC, and reclaiming their welterweight belt would bookend his career beautifully. WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman confirmed the organization’s approval, citing precedents like Sugar Ray Leonard’s 1987 return against Marvin Hagler after a long hiatus. “A legendary champion with credentials like Manny Pacquiao has earned this opportunity,” Sulaiman stated, noting Pacquiao’s medical clearance and licensing by the Nevada Athletic Commission.
Combat analyst Ryan Campbell drew parallels to George Foreman’s late-career resurgence, suggesting that age doesn’t always dictate performance in boxing. While Pacquiao’s last fight in 2021 against Yordenis Ugas showed signs of decline, Campbell noted that his current hand speed and footwork remain competitive, even if his explosiveness has waned. Barrios, a 29-year-old champion with a record of 29 wins, 18 by knockout, and a recent draw, is no pushover. His team is preparing as if facing a prime Pacquiao, acknowledging the Filipino’s experience and ring IQ. However, speculation abounds that a win could set up a blockbuster clash with Gervonta “Tank” Davis, whose $200 million PBC-Amazon deal makes him a lucrative target for a fight that could draw massive viewership.
The boxing community is split on Pacquiao’s return. Optimists believe his instincts and legacy—highlighted by ESPN ranking him the top Asian athlete of the 21st century—make him a live underdog. Critics, however, question the risks at 46, drawing comparisons to Mayweather’s recent exhibitions and suggesting financial motives may outweigh legacy. Pacquiao’s political ambitions, including a potential presidential run in the Philippines this May, add another layer of intrigue to his comeback narrative. As July approaches, the question looms: can “Pac-Man” turn back time and etch one final chapter into boxing history, or will this be a fight too far for the aging legend?
